LOSC continues its journey and sees OGC Nice standing as a serious obstacle in its quest for a podium. To introduce this poster for the 18th day of Ligue 1, Le Petit Lillois went to meet Aloïs.
What can you tell us about the current dynamics of OGC Nice?
We are currently on a very good dynamic. We don’t lose many points against opponents of a lower level on paper while still being able to compete with the bigger ones. Achieving this consistency with a group undermined by injuries is still a great art. We were one of the teams, with Lille I believe, to record the highest number of injuries week after week. We’re finally starting to get our heads above water and it feels good.
The game is much more pleasant than the one played last year as well. We are lucky to be able to count on players who are progressing, like Evann Guessand, and others, more experienced, who are making the team its identity. We just have to not talk about our results on the European scene. For the rest, our first part of the season is very satisfactory.
How do you explain the double face displayed by your team, on the national and European scene?
I listened to Bruno Genesio’s press conference and found his analysis interesting. I think, in addition to all our injuries, we were not prepared to lose so much energy. The Nice project, with Franck Haise, is still young and it could not withstand the demands of a season of giving everything on all fronts. It’s ugly, we are all aware of it in Nice, but if it allows us to secure a place in the Champions League next season, it will quickly be forgotten.
In your eyes, what are the strengths and weaknesses of OGC Nice?
It’s more or less always the same thing. You just have to look at our last match, against Reims, to understand. We are capable of doing very poorly against the cages, but we are also brittle. Marcin Bulka is no longer as impervious as before and our defense is fragile. Fortunately, the team that scores the most goals always wins in the end.
As a supporter of OGC Nice, how do you judge the first part of the LOSC season?
Honestly, respect. Us, Europe is our biggest flaw this season. You, in Lille, it’s the opposite. You make French football shine on the European scene and for that, bravo. On the other hand, I have difficulty understanding that you are only fifth. It’s not normal to be so consistent in the Champions League and to struggle so much against average Ligue 1 teams. Seen from afar, it’s difficult to understand. I have the impression that LOSC is capable of the worst as well as the best.
What memory do you have of the first leg played in Nice (2-2)?
-It was a balanced match. I think both teams had their strong moments and the match could have gone either way. I would say that the final equalizer is not undeserved, but still lucky. Maybe we shouldn’t have won this match, but we’re clearly not going to spit on it. In any case, it had been a great duel.
How do you plan for this second round?
I can’t wait to experience this meeting. It’s been a long time since there was so much at stake around a match in Nice, even more so against Lille, and the enthusiasm is clearly present. I can’t wait to see what the battle of the coaches has in store for us, but also what our great individuals can do against a team like Lille, who are shining this season. This match is too important for everyone given the rankings.
What match are you expecting this Friday?
I’m expecting a fairly open, but tense, match. I think both teams will want to score goals and that will make for a very enjoyable game to watch, with goals. But the outcome will be uncertain, that’s the only certainty.
What will be the key to the match in your eyes?
It’s quite simple, I think the key will be our respective defenses. Our two teams are known for having good attacks, but not fundamentally for being the strongest in Ligue 1. I think that the defense which best resists opposing attacks will win. What is certain is that we will see goals.
Finally, to conclude, what is your prognosis?
Given our form and your inconsistency, I honestly think that OGC Nice has a chance to play. I’m going to bet everything on Evann Guessand with a narrow Nice victory: (1-2). I’m sorry, but friend club or not, you have to win. It’s the podium that’s at stake.
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